Take this one with the requisite large grain of salt, but rumors are flying that Microsoft is looking into buying Garmin -- news that sent Garmin's stock up 5.1 percent today. Neither Microsoft nor Garmin are confirming the rumors, but they're not denying them either...
A Microsoft buyout might make a lot of sense for Garmin, who could be staring down the barrel of a bleak future if Nokia decides to deny them access to NAVTEQ's maps.
For the sake of GPS users every where, I hope this is a rumor and nothing more. Mark my words, the ease of use that the Garmin NUVI line enjoys now would quickly disappear if Microsoft bought Garmin.
Microsoft sucks!
I can just imagine the BSOD appearing whilst I'm flying along in my Cessna using the Gamin 296 - please dont let this deal happen!
Garmin sans decent new maps would freak me out too
Mac users could also probably kiss the idea of a fully Mac-compatible Garmin software suite goodbye.
The really big worry about Nokia buying NAVTEQ is that they are going to want to charge a montly fee. The days of free GPS might be coming to a close. I know that business hates to sell you something just one time. They always want you to cough up money monthly.
RE: Monkey Spazz
Wow, what a mature person you are. I have a low opinion about Garmin already, so Microsoft buying Garmin might actually be a good idea.
This sucks! It sucks so hard that I cant even find words for it.. I want to use Garmin GPS, Not Microsoft GPS. And I dont want to move to Tom tom user.. US company that wanted take over the world.. Thank God EU is making their life difficult.. :)
There are some things that make no sense and others that make perfect sense.
I think the Garmin product line is mature and the UX is excellent. These 2 companies could help each other in the hand held market as well as take GPSr and mapping to the next level.
My dream, a GPS on every dashboard...